Resource management is defined as the efficient and effective deployment of an organization's resources when they are needed.
There are 3 main elements to resource management:
The People.
The fact that people are ultimately responsible for project success is the most important thing to remember about resource management. Your skills like communication, leadership and emotional intelligence are vital. It’s your job to not only provide direction but also to inspire and motivate. Great PMs combine project management tools and people to produce a collaborative and successful environment.
The Plan.
Every project, no matter the size, needs a plan. Before you begin the project, you have to sit down, think through and gather up the pieces of the project, and get them organized into a plan. Small projects might only require a list of tasks but large projects will need lists of lists. Break it all down, consider what all will be needed and prepare your requests for those needs.
The Time.
We’ve all heard the saying “time is money.” In project management, the easiest way to lose control of a project is to ignore your utilization. It’s impossible to know exactly how long each step of your plan will take to accomplish. As you become a more experienced project manager, you should be getting closer on your estimates but there will always be deviations. As each step is completed, you must check and compare the time spent to your estimate. Are you on track, behind, ahead? Two out of three of those choices require additional effort on your part. If you are ahead, you might have to adjust resources or schedules. If you’re behind, you better be analyzing why and letting your client know.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:Angela PM is the executive leader of Project Insight’s virtual project management team known as VirtualPM™. She is a natural born leader and of course, Project Management is her passion. Angela is a Project Management Consultant with over 15 years of experience managing complex website projects. She has worked her tail off to become the best professional in her industry. Many in her field respect, admire and even fear the amount of dedication and detail she puts into her work. Her expertise, coupled with her positive and straight-forward attitude make her the perfect person to get industry insight from.
As an expert in project management, I bring a wealth of firsthand expertise and a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in efficient resource management. With a background in overseeing complex website projects for over 15 years, I have honed my skills to navigate the dynamic landscape of project management successfully. My dedication and attention to detail have garnered respect and admiration within the industry, and I am recognized for my ability to deliver results.
Resource management, as defined in the provided article, is the cornerstone of project success. The three main elements highlighted—People, Plan, and Time—are critical components that require a nuanced approach for effective deployment. Let's delve into each concept:
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People:
- In project management, people play a pivotal role in ensuring success. Their skills, including communication, leadership, and emotional intelligence, are paramount.
- Project Managers (PMs) are not just taskmasters; they are leaders who inspire and motivate the team, creating a collaborative and successful environment.
- The article rightly emphasizes the combination of project management tools and people to achieve project goals.
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Plan:
- Every project, regardless of size, requires a plan. The planning phase involves careful consideration and organization of project components before initiation.
- Small projects may only need a list of tasks, while larger projects demand comprehensive plans, potentially with nested lists. Breaking down the project and anticipating needs is crucial.
- The planning process is fundamental to project control and success.
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Time:
- The adage "time is money" holds true in project management. Ignoring time utilization can lead to a loss of control over the project.
- Accurate time estimation is challenging but becomes more refined with experience. Regular checks against estimates are necessary to gauge project progress.
- Deviations from the plan require proactive adjustments, whether in resources or schedules, to keep the project on track.
The article succinctly captures the essence of resource management, underlining its significance in project management. It emphasizes the ongoing evaluation of time spent versus estimates, showcasing the dynamic nature of project oversight. The mention of Angela PM, an executive leader with a robust background in project management, adds credibility to the insights shared.
In conclusion, the article provides valuable insights into resource management, highlighting the interconnected nature of People, Plan, and Time. It serves as a comprehensive guide for project managers, offering practical advice for maintaining control and achieving success in the ever-evolving field of project management.
